Wuxing (Five Phases) is an ancient Chinese theory of how to align human action with cycles of change in the natural world. Learn about how and why this theory developed over 2000 years ago. Discover new perspectives based on 21st century ideas and issues.

‘The Way comes about as we walk it’ to quote the Zhuangzi, a famous work of Chinese philosophy. That walk is a pilgrimage, not to a holy place but the act of walking is itself sacred. Heaven is Round if we are neither on a linear path to a holy destination nor going around in mundane circles. Rather, each step is a practice of the way.

Following an early career in contemporary dance, I studied percussion and contemplative movement with Korean, Japanese and Indonesian performing artists. I taught and made taiko (Japanese drums) for over 15 years, training with a Japanese master craftsman. In tandem, I worked as a team leader at an international college for ecological studies. I have been a manager and fundraiser in the nonprofit sector working with refugees and asylum seekers, vulnerable teenagers, and in cross-cultural heritage. I also trained in Core Process Psychotherapy and Movement Shiatsu.

This overview begins with a light-hearted foray into the era when the theory arose. Then, how I came to have new ideas about the five phases, plus an introduction to future themes. Psychology - a focus on human needs and the stress responses when needs go unmet Evolution - five phases as a mirror for stages of human evolution Philosophy - e.g. Confucius, Zhuangzi, analysed through the lens of the five phases Society - applying the five phases to today’s workplace, social and global issues.

The Foundation series introduces the historical background of the theory through a handful of simple questions. • What does wuxing mean? • Isn’t this the five elements? If so, why don’t you call it that? • What about the Greek four elements: earth, air, fire and water? Is this similar? • Why five? What’s special about the number five? • Why those five? What’s special about wood and metal? • Is there a connection to yin-yang? • Do you write about Chinese medicine, astrology, or fengshui (geomantic design)? The answer to the last question is no, but I do introduce the philosophy underlying these traditional practices. There will be seven articles in this series.

98% of the Foundation series is in English. I have checked the ratio! But of course there are some Chinese words. This 10 min audio guide introduces the tones of Mandarin Chinese, so your ears attune to new vocabulary.

Wuxing has been translated as the five elements, phases, elements, processes, agents, forces, and more besides. There is no one-size-fits-all translation which works in all contexts. Wu 五 means five. Nice and easy, no problems there, but what about xing 行? Typical of Chinese characters, this ancient yet common word means different things depending on the context. To explores its myriad meanings we’ll go on a journey that begins with the origins of Chinese writing over 3000 years ago. The appendix of this issue is a beginner’s guide to Chinese characters.

The best-known translation of wuxing is the five elements. It’s used by Westerners doing Tai Chi classes as well as most Chinese people. Chosen by Jesuit priests over four hundred years ago, the translation was based on their knowledge of the Greek four elements: earth, air, fire and water. We’ll explore the missionary agenda of Matteo Ricci (1551 - 1610), who formed an impression of the theory based on its earliest sources.